Keep Your Dog Safe In Hot Weather

11 Jul Keep Your Dog Safe In Hot Weather

As we move into hotter weather and are out and about enjoying the British summer, it is important we are aware of the risks heat can pose to our dogs. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from heat stroke- a potentially fatal condition. Unlike us, dogs are unable to sweat through their skin and so don’t loose heat easily from anywhere other than their paws and nose. Often, by the time a dog is showing signs of heat stroke, its too late to make full recovery. It is so important therefore, that we educate ourselves on how to keep our pets safe no matter the weather.

Keeping Cool

• Take water and a travel bowl with you on long walks.
• Try and avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day- walk morning and evening.
• Watch out for any lethargy or excessive panting. Stop and retire to shade.
• Never leave your dog alone in the car.
• Make frozen treats for your dog.
• Watch brachycephalic breeds of dog even more carefully (bulldogs, boxers, pugs, cavaliers).
• Cool dogs down using water and a breezy/ drafty rest area.

If the pavement is too hot for your hands, its too got for the dogs paws too!

Another point to note is that dogs with lighter coloured fur are susceptible to sun burn when over exposed. This will usually occur on the nose or areas sparsely covered with fur. Keep them out of the sun during the middle of the day or take necessary precautions with dog friendly sun creams.